Champions Tusker obtain an upper hand in the race to CAF Champions League first round after forcing a one-all draw away to Arta Solar 7 at the El Hadji Hassan Gouled Stadium, Djibouti on Saturday. Consequently, the brewers will need to capitalize on home advantage in the return match and register a win or a goalless draw to book a place in the subsequent round. Prior to kick off coach Robert Matano handed four of his new players their debut where Daniel Sakari, Kalos Kirenge, Joshua Ibrahim and Charles Momanyi won the nod to the first team.Initially, Matano had started Brian Bwire in between the sticks but he was reportedly drop d for Emery Mvuyekure in a change that also saw Kalos Kirenge replace Kevin Monyi.CAFCLQ: Matano not underestimating experienced Arta SolarIbrahim who was captured from Tanzania opened his Tusker goal in the 15th minute but the lead was short-lived as Alain Traore restored parity for the hosts the subsequent minute through a freekick.Tusker almost responded immediately but their efforts were gathered by Solar goalkeeper who made a string of first half saves precisely in the opening minutes to deny Tusker forwards.📸| Some images from the opening half. pic.twitter.com/hyAYgE0Y91— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) September 11, 2021 Mvuyekure on the other hand was a busy man throughout the game as the hosts threw everything in his territory but his continental experience came in handy. The Rwandese goalkeeper demonstrated class with few minutes to the half time whistle blocking a shot from Gabriel Dadzie who was lively throughout the game as he caused the backline all sorts of problems. The hosts thought that they had scored their second goal from a well worked move three minutes restart but they were denied by the offside flag.Matano made two changes in the 60th minute, bringing in debutant Daniel Sakari and John Njuguna for Senaji Jackson Macharia respectively.Minuted later, former U23 midfielder Teddy Osok was brought in for the injured IbrahimWe make our first change. Apollo is on for Senaji. pic.twitter.com/RA6Af4JFq3— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) September 11, 2021 The going proved tougher for Tusker as Solar camped in their area but their defence stood tall, thwarting a number of clear cut chances to keep the score in their favour. Former West Ham forward Diafra Sakho would have given Solar the second goal in the 76th minute, after he was put through on goal but fired wide thanks to the pressure from Kirenge.With pressure mounting, Mvuyekure opted to run down the clock, a move which earned him a caution in the dying minutes of the game. Tusker held on the pressure to pick the away draw
